Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
The Undulator
Submitted by Hamish Laing
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Open
Grunt Factor: 72
Gnarl Factor: 73
28.9km
2020m
2020m
722m
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Submitted by Hamish Laing
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Open
Grunt Factor: 72
Gnarl Factor: 73
28.9km
2020m
2020m
722m
Back country - remote
Point to Point (one way)
Mountainous
Native bush
Easy Single Track
Moderate Single Track
Technical Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +14.2%
Average Downhill Gradient: -14.1%
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Not suitable
Slow
6:00
Moderate
4:00
Fast
This beautiful but rugged route runs through some of the lesser traveled country in the North Island. Starting from the Mangatoetoe river mouth the route traverses four major undulations before finishing at the Putangirua Pinnacles.
If you're not racing take your time at the end to explore the interesting Pinnacle formations as you come to the finish.
This track should only be attempted by those comfortable in the backcountry. Although most of the route follows marked DoC tracks, there are sections of stream travel where the track is not always obvious. Be sure to turn East at Kawakawa Hut and watch out for the ongaonga!
Mangatoetoe hut is found by following markers off the river bed onto a nice track to the hut. From this hut make sure to follow the markers which will lead you up the correct stream in a North East direction. When approaching Kawakawa Hut cross the stream to river right to pick up the hut and head East from the hut towards Pararaki Hut. There is one well sign posted turn off as you are approaching the end down to the Pinnacles. Take this track down to the finish.
For a more detailed route description head to the Aorangi Undulator website
No public transport
66 km
60 minutes
Unknown
No
Hard.
Mangatoetoe hut is found by following markers off the river bed onto a nice track to the hut. From this hut make sure to follow the markers which will lead you up the correct stream in a North East direction. When approaching Kawakawa Hut cross the stream to river right to pick up the hut and head East from the hut towards Pararaki Hut. There is one well sign posted turn off as you are approaching the end down to the Pinnacles. Take this track down to the finish.
Unknown.
Thermal leggings, Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Survival bag, Cellphone, Compass, Map, Headtorch and spare batteries.
Plenty of huts and streams along the way.
Be aware of multiple river and stream crossings. Be very careful after heavy rain as the rivers can come up quickly. Remember they will also drop quickly so best to wait out any crossing which you aren't comfortable with.
Watch out for the Ongaonga (native stinging nettle)!
Trail Legend
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
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